He Said, He Said

For those of you who did not get to watch yesterday’s broadcast, here is some of what was said about the Reds by FOX color commentator Tim McCarver and field reporter Ken Rosenthal.

McCarver: One thing the Reds can do well—among many things—they can is catch the ball. Better than any team in the major leagues. Particularly in the outfield. They have one of the best defensive outfields that I’ve ever seen.

They have 3 centerfielders they could play: Jay Bruce, Chris Heisey, Drew Stubbs. How many teams can say that?

On the importance of winning as many games as possible the rest of the way:

Rosenthal: There is real incentive for the Reds to overtake the Nationals for the best record in the NL. If they do that, one: they avoid the SF Giants in the first round. Also, they would get the Wild Card winner and gain potential home field advantage for the NLCS. And avoiding the Giants and playing the WC winner, well that’s key. Because remember, the WC winner will burn its best pitcher in the WC game, that WC knockout. They might even burn 2 of their best pitchers if there is a tiebreaker preceeding the WC game. So yes, getting that best record in the NL is something the Reds will want to do.

McCarver: Be careful what you wish for however. Atlanta is playing about as well as anybody and their pitching with Chris Medlin in particular, they’re very deep in their starting pitchers. If they win the WC game against whomever they face, then they would be a very, very tough opponent.

After a Cozart at bat late:

McCarver: The Cincinnati lineup—their players are perhaps the most athletic in the major leagues 1 thru 8—Phillips thru Cozart.

On what makes this team different from the one that was swept by the Phillies in 2010:

Rosenthal: I asked Jay Bruce about the difference between this team and the 2010 team. And he said the comparison is not even close. He said the 2010 team was a younger group, kinda played with its hair on fire, didn’t understand what it was doing. This team, after going thru that, after underachieving in 2011, has a full understanding and is much better equipped to make a serious run in the post-season.

McCarver: I think they are better in all facets of the game. Their bullpen is better. Their starters are better. They’re a faster club. They are a better defensive club this year. They are a very dangerous team to face in the playoffs. No doubt.

Discussing Chapman’s velocity upon entering the ninth, which was 96 – 97 mph:

McCarver: This is what they want out of Chapman. And I’m sure that Bryan Price had talked to Aroldis. And told him 100 is not necessary. He has not hit 100 yet. And that makes so much sense.

Can anyone do me a favor? I’m not in Cincinnati and I read where the post game celebration is going to be broadcast on Monday at 8pm in Cincy. Can anyone burn me a dvd of it? Or if you record it on your computer that is fine. Maybe load it up to your cloud (MediaFire) and them email a link where I can download it.

I enjoyed the positive comments, too, but was disappointed when McCarver said during the Reds’ history “they have never been known for their pitching” and the PxP man followed with “It takes a few names before you get to Clay Kirby” prior to mentioning the star players. They also didn’t mention the Nasty Boys.

Except for Valdez and Cairo that’s not too wild a lineup, and it seems that at least one of them has been starting in any given Sunday lineup. The keys now are getting some rest for the weary (which has to include BP, Bruce, Frazier, and the hobbled Ludwick at the very least), getting reps for Votto, and setting up the playoff rotation. This lineup doesn’t bother me at all.

A few other quick thoughts – Welcome back Dusty!, and I love the new magic number display. And per14, I think we watch the Reds so closely that we lose a little perspective. I’m eager to hear what the ESPN crew has to say about the Reds tonight as well.

Anytime I hear anything rational from Tim Mac, I begin to look toward the eastern sky. Since I am never in agreement with the man, either he is still wrong (not what I want), or it’s a case of blind squirrel, occasional nut. I’ll hope for the latter.